UPSC 1999 Modern History Questions with Answers

Explanation

Lord Wellesley ensured British dominance in India.

Serving as Governor-General from 1798 to 1805, Wellesley was known for his aggressive expansionist policies. He implemented the Doctrine of Subsidiary Alliance, signed treaties with Indian states, and pursued territorial acquisition, greatly expanding British control over India amidst European turmoil. Lord Wellesley’s Subsidiary alliance system was applied for taking over the administration of Tanjore and Carnatic. He also concluded the Treaty of Bassein (1802) with the Peshwas.

Explanation

The British colonial economic model transformed India into a supplier of raw materials like cotton, indigo, and iron ore, which were sent to Britain for processing. India was forced to sell these materials at low prices and buy British-made goods at higher prices. Industrial development in India was discouraged to prevent competition with British industries, keeping India dependent on Britain for finished goods and limiting its own industrial growth. The lack of heavy industries discouraged independent industrial development.

Explanation

Imperial Preference was a British colonial trade policy that granted preferential treatment to British goods in its colonies, including India. British goods were sold at lower tariffs or duty-free, while colonies like India were required to sell raw materials to Britain at favorable prices. This system subordinated the economic interests of colonies, prevented the development of Indian industries, and ensured Britain’s economic dominance. It also reinforced political control, making colonies dependent on Britain for both manufactured goods and trade.

Explanation

Surendranath Banerji was among the earliest Indians to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS). He successfully passed the ICS exam in 1869 in England and was appointed as an assistant magistrate. Later he was dismissed by the British government on the pretext of a minor procedural issue related to his handling of a case. Many believed that racial discrimination was the real reason behind his dismissal, as British officers were uncomfortable with Indians holding powerful administrative positions. This injustice fueled Banerji’s nationalist spirit, and he dedicated himself to the cause of Indian self-rule. He became a key political leader and co-founded the Indian National Association in 1876 which later merged with the Indian National Congress (INC).

Explanation

The statement in Option (c) is incorrect. Navanna is a play written by Nabin Chandra Das, but it is not based on the famine of Bengal. It is a social drama that depicts the conflict between tradition and modernity in Bengali society. Statements in Options (a), (b) and (d) are correct:

Neel Darpan was a play based on the exploitation of Indigo farmers in Bengal by the British planters, written by Dinbandhu Mitra. Ghashiram Kotwal was a famous Marathi play, written by Vijay Tendulkar, which deals with the issues of corruption and power in the context of the Maratha empire. The Parsi theatre influenced the development of Urdu theatre, which gained prominence in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Explanation

A is matched with 4: The First Indian War of Independence was written by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. It is a seminal work that describes the 1857 revolt as the first war of Indian independence. B is matched with 3: Anand Math was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterji. It is a famous Bengali novel that inspired the Swadeshi movement and features the iconic patriotic song Vande Mataram. C is matched with 2: Life Divine was written by Sri Aurobindo. The Life Divine explores the evolution of consciousness and the integration of spiritual and material life. D is matched with 1: Sadhana was written by Rabindranath Tagore. It is a collection of essays that reflects his thoughts on humanism and spirituality.

Explanation

In 1904, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his brother Ganesh founded the Abhinav Bharat Society (Young India Society) as a secret organization during India’s struggle for independence. The organization was inspired by Giuseppe Mazzini’s Young Italy and aimed to overthrow British rule in India through armed revolution. Initially started as "Mitra Mela" in Nashik while Savarkar was a student, it was involved in assassinations of British officials. The group aimed to overthrow British rule. In 1904, Vinayak Savarkar named it Abhinav Bharat, inspired by Giuseppe Mazzini’s Young Italy. Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose were associated with Jugantar Party (Bengal Revolutionaries) Bhagat Singh was a member of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

Explanation

A is matched with 2: Shyamji Krishna Varma is associated with the journal Indian Sociologist, which advocated for India’s independence. B is matched with 3: Madame Bhikaji Cama is linked with The Talwar, a journal promoting nationalist ideas. C is matched with 4: Annie Besant published the Commonweal to support the Indian independence movement. D is matched with 1: Aurobindo Ghosh is known for the journal Bande Mataram, which was a platform for nationalist activism.

Explanation

The paintings of Abanindranath Tagore, a prominent figure in the Bengal School of Art, are classified as revivalistic because they aimed to revive Indian cultural and artistic traditions during British rule. He drew inspiration from Mughal miniatures, Ajanta frescoes, and Japanese wash techniques, moving away from Western realism and promoting a distinctly Indian art style. Abanindranath Tagore’s works, such as Bharat Mata symbolized national pride and cultural heritage, blending art with India’s freedom movement.

Explanation

Alam Ara (1931) was India’s first feature-length talkie film, directed by Ardeshir Irani. It marked the beginning of sound in Indian cinema and revolutionized the film industry. It was a musical drama based on a Persian story, and it featured several songs, which was a major draw for audiences at the time. The film had a huge impact on Indian cinema, especially in terms of introducing sound and dialogue, which made it a landmark in the history of Indian cinema.